STOCKTON — All were still, except for those working in the pub’s kitchen, as the live telecast of President Barack Obama’s inauguration unfolded.

About 100 students, faculty and staff gathered in the University of the Pacific’s pub, The Lair, where they listened attentively to Obama’s pledge to repair the economy, unite people, change the health-care system and cultivate alternative fuels and energy power sources.

Many students said they identified with his stand on those issues.

“I believe in his economic stimulus plan and what he plans to do for our education system. It definitely wasn’t just because he is black,” said Jordan Turner, an 18-year-old Pacific freshman and member of the Black Student Union, the group that organized the gathering.

“I felt inspired. Words are hard to describe this.”

Edwin Lindo, who is student body president at Pacific, said, “(Obama) touches the core of what we care about. That’s equality.”

“When I have kids and they grow up, becoming president will no longer be just a dream, but more of a possibility,” Lindo, 22, said.

Sarah Fountain, a 21-year-old Pacific junior, doesn’t take the president’s side on some issues, such as abortion or his $700 billion economic-stimulus package. Nevertheless, she feels he symbolizes harmony. For that reason, Fountain said she wouldn’t miss the historical inauguration.

“It was truly amazing. His speech gave me the chills,” Fountain said. “I think he does a great job of bringing the nation together. He is a real peacekeeper.”

David Frederickson, director of Pacific’s GrassRoots Global Institute, compared Obama’s appeal to young people to that of presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

“This president has youth, energy and a family … he’s a good role model,” Frederickson said. “Second, he speaks to a more diverse America … lots of hopeful young people. Third, is his call for change. Young people are much more inclined to embrace change.”